KOTA KINABALU: State leaders from both political divides welcome the High Court ruling on Sabah’s 40% net revenue entitlement, calling it a landmark decision and a historic moment.
They are also urging the Federal Government to refrain from appealing the decision, citing Sabah’s delayed rights which should be returned to the state as the main reason.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (pic) is relieved with this decision, which ordered the Federal Government to conduct another review on the grant due for the lost years within 90 days.
He said it confirmed Sabah's right as stipulated in the Federal Constitution, particularly under Article 112C and 112D, and recognised the vital role of the State Government, which has continued to uphold and assert the state's constitutional rights.
He said the state's efforts in clarifying the historical records, including the Share of Growth of Federal Revenue Derived from Sabah from 1964 to 1968, have been instrumental in reaffirming that the intent and effect of Articles 112C and 112D remain unchanged.
"The acceptance of the interim payments was without prejudice to the state's constitutional rights," Hajiji said.
From the outset, he said that in every Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, the state has consistently, relentlessly, and firmly presented its claims.
The state will engage with the Federal Government to implement the Court’s orders in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, and to ensure that Sabah’s constitutional rights are fully realised, he said.
Hajiji commended the Sabah Law Society (SLS) for bringing the issue to Court as a matter of public interest.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the ruling reaffirmed the constitutional and moral obligation of the Federal Government to honour the MA63 and the founding principles of the Federation.
He said this right has been overlooked and delayed for nearly five decades, and the time has come to correct this historical neglect and to give effect to the constitutional promise made to the people of Sabah.
He called on the Federal Government to comply fully with the Court’s directives to commence a proper review within 90 days and reach an agreement with the Sabah Government within 180 days on the revenue due for the years 1974 to 2021.
"The Court’s order must be respected without further delay or excuses," Gunsalam said, adding this issue transcended politics and should unite all Sabah leaders in safeguarding the state’s constitutional and fiscal rights.
Sabah DAP said this judgment sends a clear and powerful message that Sabah’s rights under MA63 are not political rhetoric but legally binding obligations that must be honoured.
Its chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the Court’s decision restored faith in the rule of law and demonstrates that constitutional mechanisms remain a credible avenue to seek fairness and equality.
"This issue has never been about politics. Moving forward, DAP Sabah calls upon both the Federal and State Governments to work together in good faith, ensuring that the review process of the 40% entitlement and other MA63 commitments are handled with transparency," he said.
Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the method of repayment of the 40% entitlement is clearly stated in the Malaysian Constitution and neatly laid out in the MA63.
"It is already in the Constitution. As Malaysians, we respect and uphold the Federal Constitution - that is our duty and our identity as a nation. This is important for us," he said.
Former chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said this is an affirmation of Sabah’s constitutional right to 40% of federal revenue under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.
"This is a significant moment, not just for the legal fraternity, but for every Sabahan who believes in fairness, partnership, and respect for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)," he said.
